The agency has reported 20 forest fires so far this year on its lands.

“DNR wants to remind people that the risk of wildfires can change rapidly during the spring when warmer, dryer weather occurs with increasing frequency,” the agency said in a news release.

“Dry and unhealthy forests continue to be a fire hazard and will for many years. It takes only one spark to start a fire that can have catastrophic results.”

Okanogan, Ferry and Douglas County commissioners typically enact burn bans in early summer each year. Last year, bans didn’t go into effect until early July.

Meanwhile, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is preparing for a normal fire season, according to spokeswoman Robin DeMario.

“It looks like… the forecast is for a normal to dry summer with a possibility of fire season starting earlier,” she said, noting that the season typically begins in early to mid-July. “It all depends on Mother Nature and how much moisture we get this spring.”

Without enough rain, grasses, sagebrush and other fuels may dry out more quickly and increase fire risk, she said. The number of fires is also dependent on how many lightning storms strike.

DeMario said there have been no fires so far this spring on National Forest lands. There were about 165 fires last year, which is about average, she said.

The Methow Valley and Tonasket Ranger Districts plan to start spring prescribed burning operations this month in several areas.

Methow Valley Ranger District is planning treatments northwest of Winthrop near Eightmile Creek and Fawn Creek; west of Twisp near Little Bridge Creek; west of Methow in the McFarland Creek and Squaw Creek drainages.

They could start within a week or two, depending on weather conditions, Fire Management Officer Meg Trebon said.

Tonasket Ranger District has planned prescribed burning treatments in the Mt. Annie and Lyman Lake areas southeast of Tonasket, as well as the Mutton area north of Conconully and the North Flank project area near Havillah.

Last year, Natural Resources fought 764 fires that burned about 126,219 acres, the majority being less than 10 acres in size.

Natural Resources personnel do not protect structures or private property from wildfires.